With the advent of Ramadan, the holy month traditionally celebrated by families across the Muslim world, Palestinian communities are facing overwhelming challenges. For many, like Abdullah al-Ashqar, a 45-year-old construction worker and father of five from Gaza, joy has turned to despair as grocery shelves stand bare, marked by steep price increases. "Ramadan used to mean joy for us," he reflects. "We would gather around the table, break our fast together, and the smell of fresh bread would fill the house." Instead, during this year’s Ramadan, families are beset by hunger and uncertainty.
The situation has worsened since early March 2025 when Israeli authorities blocked humanitarian aid to Gaza, effectively shutting down the Kerem Shalom border crossing. This closure came at the very onset of Ramadan for Gaza's over 2 million residents, severely limiting access to food, medical supplies, and fuel. The blockade means many families are confronting the holy month with empty pantries and dwindling hope. "My children ask me daily, 'What are we going to eat today?'" al-Ashqar laments. "And I have no answer."
The harsh realities extend to other Gazans as well, such as Mariam al-Hattab, a 40-year-old mother of seven. With her previous income eliminated, she finds herself unable to provide even bread for her children. "The hardest moment for me is when my youngest asks for food, and I have nothing to give him," she shares tearfully. "How do you tell a child there's nothing to eat?" Hamas officials have condemned the blockade, labeling it as collective punishment. Salama Maarouf, head of the Hamas-run government media office, stated, "Closing the Kerem Shalom crossing means cutting off humanitarian aid, stopping the flow of medicine, and creating a devastating food shortage." Though Israeli officials cite security concerns as justification for the blockade, humanitarian organizations warn it approaches the level of catastrophe.
Across the border, the Turkish Red Crescent (Kızılay) is responding with humanitarian aid, assisting over 3 million people across 18 countries during Ramadan. Kızılay plans to distribute around 50,000 food packages and provide daily iftar meals for approximately 30,000 people affected by the crises—primarily focusing on the severely impacted Gaza region. Kızılay President Fatma Meriç Yılmaz emphasized their efforts, noting, "We will reach over 7.1 million people, and perhaps even more by the end of the campaign." This philanthropic initiative seeks to alleviate some of the suffering during the holy month.
Meanwhile, Paul Pogba, the renowned French football star, has stepped up to support displaced Palestinians by launching his hunger combat initiative. Through social media, he encouraged collective charitable action: "Hunger knows no boundaries, and kindness has no limits. Together, we can make a difference by feeding those in need. A simple meal can bring hope, warmth, and strength to someone struggling." The initiative and Pogba's continuous support have received significant acclaim, particularly from the Palestinian community.
While the Gaza Strip bears the brunt of humanitarian distress, the West Bank is also experiencing hardships. The festive atmosphere typically associated with Ramadan has been dimmed by recent violence. An Israeli military operation beginning January 2025 has led to nearly 40,000 Palestinians fleeing their homes, resulting in the largest displacement since the 1967 Arab-Israeli War. Reports indicate nearly 50 fatalities due to military incursions, which Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu described as efforts to eradicate terrorism.
Mahmoud Sukkar, who fled Jenin on the third day of the military operation, along with his family, voiced the emotional toll of displacement. He remarked, "We left with nothing. Now, we don’t know where we belong." The memories of past Ramadans—filled with communal iftar dinners and shared blessings around beautifully adorned tables—are now sharply contrasted against their present struggles. With their homes destroyed or abandoned, families now navigate uncertainty and fear.
With cultural milestones such as the musaharati, who traditionally calls families to suhoor, no longer roaming the streets, the loss of community has been palpable. "Ramadan means family," reflects Intisar Nafe’, another displaced activist from Tulkarm. "It’s about breaking bread together, sharing meals, visiting one another. Without those, what is left?" While many displaced families receive cold iftar meals delivered by volunteers, the essence of Ramadan—a time of reunion, joy, and hope—is overshadowed by loss and longing.
Conditions are bleak, yet the resilience of Palestinian families shines through. The poignancy of their situation invites advocacy and solidarity as they strive to keep traditions alive amid unspeakable hardship. With the gravity of the current crises, this Ramadan serves as both a time for reflection and, hopefully, renewal, as communities face the trials of life together, even when apart. "Ramadan is supposed to be a time of renewal," Nafe’ muses, "but it’s like waiting—waiting for news, waiting for life to return to normal." While outside forces create obstacles, the shared threads of sacrifice, love, and humanity inevitably bind communities, making them stronger during one of the most difficult periods of their lives.